The contest to succeed Menzies Campbell as leader of Britain's Liberal Democrats took off today after the two favourites for the top job confirmed they would run.
Environment spokesman Chris Huhne was the first contender to throw his hat in the ring after Mr Campbell quit on Monday.
"I have decided to give it a go," Mr Huhne (53), told reporters.
He said he could sum up his agenda in a few words: "A fairer and greener society where we have got people in charge."
Mr Huhne paid tribute to the man he narrowly lost to 19 months ago.
He said Mr Campbell had laid the foundations for the party to advance after taking over from Charles Kennedy.
"We need to fight for a fairer Britain and we need to give power back to people and to communities," he said.
"We need a clear champion who can make that case, and that's why I want to lead the Liberal Democrats."
Home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg (40), the other front runner, later said he would launch his campaign for the leadership in his Sheffield constituency on Friday.
An exasperated Campbell, frustrated by constant criticism that he was too old for the job, shocked the party by quitting after barely consulting colleagues.
Up to seven Liberal Democrat MPs are rumoured to be sounding out colleagues about launching a challenge.
But deputy leader Vince Cable (64), who stood in for Campbell at prime minister's question time in parliament today, has ruled himself out of the contest, as has Simon Hughes, the party president.
Campbell said he had an idea who he would like to win, but added: "The best thing for ex-leaders, as I now am, is to keep their own counsel."
His decision to stand down followed a slump in opinion polls.
Support for the LibDems has halved since the 2005 general election to just 11 per cent with the Labour and Conservative parties steadily eating away their support.
Campbell had been criticised for his lacklustre performances in parliament and was regularly accused by the media as being - or at least looking - too old to take the party into an election that could be up to two years away.
Nominations for the leadership close on October 31st, with the winner due to be announced on December 17th.